Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, left, chats with fellow sheriff, Joe Hagerty, of Wright County at the First Responders Awards luncheon at the Rogers Community Room. I-94 West Chamber of Commerce hosted the inaugural event that featured Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman as guest speaker. More than 200 people were present. (Sun staff photo by Aaron Brom)

I-94 Chamber recognizes public safety dedication

A who’s who of public safety officials, including the top official in the state, gathered in Rogers Monday, May 19, for the first ever First Responders Awards.

Honored were public safety officials from each of the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce’s cities.

Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman was the guest speaker, and was joined by a litany of police and fire personnel, including Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek and Wright County Sheriff Joe Hagerty. Mayors, city council and staff members, state legislators, business owners and many more also joined the more than 200 people at the luncheon inside the Rogers Community Room.

“We are here to show appreciation and support to the first responders who work hard day in, day out to keep our communities safe,” Commissioner Dohman said. “Thank you for everything you do as first responders so the world is safer.”

Albertville firefighter Eull was recognized for his 10 years experience and being a top caller award for responding to the most fire and rescue calls during the year. In 2013, the Fire Department also recognized Eull with an “Above and Beyond” Award for his personal sacrifice and dedication to the Fire Department and to public safety.

Corcoran Officers Drake and Wagman were recognized for helping revive woman who was having a seizure while instructing a fitness class. Officer Wagman administered CPR and the patient was stabilized and transferred to the hospital for follow-up care.

Dayton officer Anderley was dispatched to a medical call with broken bones following an accident involving two ATVs. Rogers officer Sarazin was the first officer on scene and saw a female victim lying in the back seat of a pick-up truck with injuries. Sarazin initiated medical care and when Anderley arrived on scene, he assisted Sarazin. Officer Anderley coordinated with Dayton Fire to have a landing zone set up for North Air Care. Due to the quick thinking of Officer Sarazin and the calm leadership displayed by Officer Anderley, the victim was able to be treated for her injuries and her leg was saved.

Hamel Fire Lt. Gregor was in charge of the scene at a car/motorcycle crash last August, with victims in critical condition. His nomination said that he maintained a calm demeanor throughout the call, and that when it came time to transport the victims, he took it upon himself to ride with the victims to North Memorial hospital via ambulance.

Hanover firefighter Gronsberg was nominated for organizing a CPR training for area citizens by coordinating with the Hanover Fire Department and Allina Health EMS Heart Safe Communities, which helps communities and organizations educate citizens about sudden cardiac arrest and improving heart health and trains people how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and perform CPR.

Lorette Fire Capt. Ryan was recognized for responding to a drug overdose and full cardiac arrest in Loretto. Along with another responder, he was able to administer care with the use of

Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman, right, awards Deputy Melissa Meemken of the Wright County Sheriff’s Office for her service to the community of Otsego, and joined by I-94 West Chamber of Commerce representative Kriss Mills of Award Sponsor Cabela’s. (Sun staff photo by Aaron Brom)

the LUCAS Chest Compression System, a machine designed to help improve outcomes of sudden cardiac arrest victims and improve operations for medical responders. The patient was a 30-year-old female who is alive and well today because of Ryan’s efforts.

Medina officer Boecker was dispatched to a head-on collision involving two semi-trucks and was the first emergency responder to arrive on scene. He observed a male party performing chest compressions on the victim, who was lying on the ground. Boecker brought his AED over to the victim and was informed that the driver was found unresponsive and slumped over after the crash. Office Boecker assessed the victim and performed life-saving medical procedures with the AED and rescue breaths. After a short time, the victim’s pulse was strong and he was able to breathe on his own. The victim was transported to the hospital by North Air Care helicopter and was released from the hospital several days later, thanks to the lifesaving efforts of Officer Boecker.

Wright County Deputy Meemken was dispatched to a medical call of a male with chest pain. She arrived on scene and found an unresponsive male on the ground with no pulse. A female on scene had begun chest compressions and continued doing so while Deputy Meemken attached the AED. The AED was not working, so Deputy Meemken began CPR. The patient started to breathe and gained a very faint pulse. Two additional deputies arrived and another AED was attached. The male patient was shocked and CPR continued until he was breathing on his own and had a heartbeat. He was transported to Mercy Hospital.

Rogers Chief Beahen was recognized for his management skills and revitalizing the police department. Chief Beahen has implemented a number of developments, updated policies and procedures, and overseen additional administrative enhancements.

Rogers firefighter Sabot has been an active member of the Rogers Fire Department for 33 years, holding the positions of firefighter, fire officer, and Fire Chief. He is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and responds to all medical calls and has also been the Gambling Manager for pull tabs for the Rogers Fire Department since 1992.

Wright County Sgt. Kunkel has been with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office since 1999 and is currently assigned to the patrol division working in the city of St. Michael. He was recognized for maintaining a good working relationship with other First Responders and assisting in obtaining additional resources needed at major calls.